[2025 Future Business Forum] Overcoming ICT Limitations in Computing, Sensing, and Security

Sangmin Lee, Head of Growth Business Promotion at SKT Global A&I Center
Promoting AI and QPU Integrated Data Centers
Demonstrating Sensors for Detecting Anomalies at Ports
Commercializing Security Technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution
Building Over 3,000 km of Quantum Cryptography Networks

Sangmin Lee, Head of Growth Business Promotion Office at SK Telecom Global A&I Center, is giving a keynote speech at the '2025 Asia Future Business Forum' hosted by Asia Economy on the 11th at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

"Quantum computers can be used to optimize manufacturing processes, develop new drugs and materials, and improve the accuracy of financial fraud detection. Quantum technology will become a core foundational technology of the future."

Sangmin Lee, Head of Growth Business Promotion Office at SK Telecom Global A&I Center, stated this at the Future Business Forum hosted by Asia Economy on the 11th, adding, "SKT is also considering integrating not only AI semiconductors but also Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs) and IonQ's quantum processing units (QPUs) into its own AI data centers."

Quantum computers are devices capable of quickly solving problems that are extremely complex or time-consuming. They can demonstrate powerful performance in areas where conventional computers have limitations in speed or accuracy, such as AI training, analysis of drug candidates, and financial fraud detection. Lee said, "This year, SKT plans to expand its quantum business to include quantum computing, following quantum security sensing, by partnering with IonQ, a U.S. quantum computing company." He further emphasized, "We believe quantum technology can become a tool that overcomes the limitations of existing ICT (information and communication technology) infrastructure," and highlighted its growing application across future industries.

SKT developed a quantum sensor capable of precise and long-distance detection based on technology that detects single photons at an early stage. Using this sensor, the company has demonstrated the ability to detect anomalies or intrusions in hazardous areas at the ports of Busan and Incheon, and is also developing sensors to detect gas leaks.

Lee explained, "Quantum sensing technology excels at detecting invisible dangers." He added, "Quantum technology is now moving beyond the laboratory and into the heart of industry," and noted, "2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of quantum mechanics, and quantum technology will become an inflection point driving innovation in security, sensor, and computing technologies." He also stated, "SKT has been investing in quantum technology for over 10 years, proactively preparing for future technologies."

SKT established a dedicated quantum technology research lab in 2011 and began developing cryptographic technology. In 2018, the company invested in ID Quantique, a leading quantum security company based in Switzerland, and applied 'quantum key distribution technology' and 'quantum random number generators' to its telecommunications network.

Quantum key distribution technology enables the secure exchange of cryptographic keys by utilizing the properties of quantum mechanics. While conventional cryptography relies on mathematical complexity, this technology is considered secure because it leverages the fact that the state of a photon changes when measured, making eavesdropping fundamentally impossible. SKT applied this technology to its 5G backbone network connecting Seoul, Daejeon, and Daegu in 2019.

Recently, the company also introduced a new hybrid encryption technology that combines quantum-resistant cryptography with this technology. SKT developed 'Q-HSM,' which incorporates this technology into a single semiconductor chip, and obtained security certification from the National Intelligence Service.

A quantum random number generator is a technology that produces completely unpredictable random numbers, playing a crucial role in security. Since 2020, SKT has collaborated with Samsung Electronics to launch the 'Galaxy Quantum' smartphone series, which incorporates this technology and enhances the security level of commercial mobile devices.

The company is also expanding its quantum cryptography networks. Since 2020, SKT has won the government-led 'Digital New Deal Quantum Project' and built a 1,200 km quantum cryptography network. Through the national convergence network project, it built an 800 km quantum backbone network, and through another pilot project, it installed a 250 km quantum cryptography network connecting Seoul, Pangyo, and Daejeon. SKT stated that it has constructed over 3,000 km of quantum cryptography networks cumulatively to date.

SKT is also continuing its overseas collaborations. Together with ID Quantique (IDQ), SKT is participating in the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) project led by the European Union as a major supplier of quantum key distribution equipment. Additionally, SKT is contributing to the expansion of the quantum ecosystem in Asia by participating in Singapore's nationwide quantum security network project led by the Infocomm Media Development Authority.